June 6, 2008.
We had our interview today. I was in Thailand visiting TT so I attended.

Quick comments below just in case they are useful to others.

• 3 hour wait (arrived at 7 am, about 5 K1 or K3 folks ahead of us - should have lined up at 6:30)
• Most folks were K1 visas - they took about 15 to 30 minutes each. They were handled first in/first out.
• Only 1 Embassy interview person for all K visas - bogus and, of course, slow; although he was clearly trying to go fast and was organized.
• Not everyone got their visa, but most did.
• Our documentation was hyper-organized (e.g., table of contents on the DS forms for supporting evidence; original filing contained 20+ pictures, numbered with a narative explaining each picture; supplied another 25 pictures with Packet 4; originals and copies provided). I belive our documentation help to make the interview go smoothly.
• We could see the interviewer and watched as he read our paperwork (about 4 to 5 minutes prior to calling our name).
• When called, we introduced ourselves and smiled (important). The interviewer told me that the interview was "only of the applicant" (my wife) and that I should "sit down". I complied, but stood behind her in view. This was very curious to me since the prime goal of the interview is to confirm the validity of our marriage.
• Interviewer fingerprinted my wife, then asked my wife 4 simple questions, typed a few entries on his PC, then handed my wife a 3x5 card containing the date she was to pick up her passport with the US visa (2 business days later). This took about 4 minutes in total. Total time from start to finish - less than 10 minutes.
• WE WAITED 10+ MONTHS
• FOR LESS THAN 10 MINUTES OF THE EMBASSY'S TIME. OMG WHAT PISS POOR MANAGEMENT BY THE SENIOR
• OFFICIALS OF USCIS AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT.

Observations.

• I did not need to be at the inteview; however, I believe that my presence shortened the interview. If I had not already been in Thailand for a visit, it would have been a waste of time and money for me to attend the interview.
• The interviewer worked quickly and I in no way attribute the horrible process time to his performance nor the other front line workers at US CIS or the NVC. As a corporate attorney, I have seen a lot of piss poor senior management and the lack of visability into the visa process and the horrible process times are 100% senior management behaving poorly.

Good luck to all.

Rich and TT - together at last!

Congrats!! May you have a long & happy life together!

jen & jim

Congrats...!!!

Thanks for sharing. This is very helpful. The kids don't have any wedding pictures, since they basically registered with the Amphur. Do you think that will be a problem? He returned to the states three days after the wedding and has gone back for a month visit. I'm wondering if they should do a Thai traditional ceremony before the interview, if possible. Thanks!

Thai Mom

P.S. Congratulations!

congulation!!!!!!!!!!
now I waiting case number.....

Congratulations! And thanks for describing the process. Our interview is next month and your tips are helpful.

Brian

Wonderful, Congratulations!!!

Thai Mom - Rin and I also just registered at the Amphur; no ceremony, no wedding pictures. It wasn't a problem at the interview. We did have pics from several visits/vacations during the previous 2+ years.

Rich - Congratulations! Interesting they told you to go sit down. When Rin had her interview, I went up with her and the CO asked more questions to me than he did to her.

John

congratulations

Congratulations. glad you got the visa smoothly.

I think 10 months, comnparetively, is the going rate........
but sux has to wait so long.

I still think its important to show up for the interview.
Shows the seriousness to dedication on your part.
I plan to be there, even just so the interviewer sees my pasport on top of the book of info.
I too, have everything so organized.

I too,just arrived 2 days ago for 2 weeks visiting my wie........

Thai Mom - Rin and I also just registered at the Amphur; no ceremony, no wedding pictures. It wasn't a problem at the interview. We did have pics from several visits/vacations during the previous 2+ years.
___________________________________

Thanks, John, for sharing that. I told my son to get pictures, so they went out and got a formal one in their street clothes afterwards. There's no indication in the photo that they had just tied the knot! He does have pictures dating back to Sept '06. The ones with our families together hopefully will be convincing, even though they pre-date their engagement. It's amazing how many details pop up in this process.

My husband and I are celebrating our 29th anniversary today. I wish everyone on here at least that many years or more with their soul-mates.
Marriage is work, compromise, give and take, but the commitment is worth it. My DIL emailed about how romantic it must be to grow old together!
I didn't tell her that we are not old yet.